Newly released video footage has captured the moment a passenger ferry collided with a cargo vessel at the port of Souda on the Greek island of Crete, in an incident that authorities say could have had far more serious consequences.

The footage, broadcast by Greek media, shows the two ships closing in on each other before the collision became unavoidable. Passengers on board watched in shock as the vessels made contact.

Despite the severity of the crash, no injuries were reported.

Collision at the port

The passenger ferry Elyros, carrying around 100 passengers, 32 cars and 74 trucks, had just departed from Souda on a scheduled voyage to Piraeus when it collided with the cargo ship Iosif K., which was maneuvering to dock.

The impact saw the starboard side of the ferry’s bow strike the port side of the cargo vessel’s bow, causing significant damage to the latter.

Crew members aboard the cargo ship said the vessel was transporting 89 vehicles, including 14 tanker trucks carrying fuel, raising fears that the collision could have resulted in a much more dangerous incident.

Crew describe moments of panic

Crew members recalled the fear that spread across the vessel in the moments after the collision.

According to their accounts, the cargo ship was struck unexpectedly, with one crew member saying the ferry “suddenly came straight at us.” Others voiced concern that the damaged area was close to tanker trucks carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), fearing the consequences could have been catastrophic.

At one point, crew members were heard trying to determine whether liquid entering the area was water or fuel before confirming it appeared to be seawater.

Investigation underway

Maritime experts say it is too early to determine responsibility for the accident.

Former naval officer Nikos Spanos said investigators would need to examine all available evidence, including radio communications and instructions issued by the port’s traffic control service.

George Vallis, president of the Panhellenic Union of Private and Professional Yacht Crews, said proper coordination between departing and arriving vessels is essential at busy ports.

He noted that vessels require official clearance before entering or leaving port and suggested investigators should establish whether both ships had been authorized to maneuver at the same time. He also said that, under normal practice, the cargo vessel should have waited for the passenger ferry to clear the harbor before entering.

Authorities order formal inquiry

Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs said he had instructed the Hellenic Coast Guard to launch a formal administrative investigation to determine the cause of the collision.

A criminal case file has also been opened as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the accident and any potential responsibilities.

Although the ferry sustained damage, it was later cleared to resume its voyage to Piraeus after the incident.